“Beaufort needed this.” That’s what most people said when I told them I was staying at the brand spankin’ new Beaufort Hotel NC (https://www.beauforthotelnc.com). There are quite a few lovely B&B’s and Inns in Beaufort, but nothing with the room or meeting capacity of Beaufort Hotel NC. They’re pretty proud, and rightly so, of the fact that they qualified to become an Ascend Hotel Collection Member.
“The Ascend Hotel Collection® [is] a network of historic, boutique and unique hotels that offer guests an authentic, local experience. Member hotels share a passion for delivering attentive service to guests seeking a more experiential, individualized travel experience that gives them a sense of local flavor.”
Fishing, the sea, and boats play a big part in room decor and property design & layout. Check out the lights that look like glass floats. I put the branded robe on the bed. They’re normally two hanging in the closet along with two pairs of slippers.
And if you follow my adventures on Facebook, you’ll remember I said I’d found the ship’s Brig in the bathroom. 🙂
Loved the nice touches like upgraded linens, branded premium bedding, two free water bottles in the mini fridge, free breakfast, and . . .
Tommy Bahama Hotel Amenity Collection eco-friendly soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizer products in the spacious bath room.
The property sits right on the banks of Taylor Creek, across from Carrot Island, Horse Island, and the Rachel Carson Reserve. If you’re lucky, you’ll see some of the wild horses that live on the islands.
A covered 1,100 square foot Pavilion sits water-side along with a fire pit. Notice the walking bridge? Can’t you just imagine the bride and groom walking over that bridge from the main building to their reception?
Most of the 133 rooms and suites are in the building I stayed in. It’s a separate building, adjacent to the “main” building. Limited lodging options in the main building include what promises to be a lovely one bedroom suite and three singles.
In addition to those few special rooms, the main building houses the lobby, check in, a bar, kitchen, and restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. It’s still under construction as of this writing, but they expect the restaurant to open in June, 2019.
By the way, there is a $15 per day Valet charge while the main building is under construction. Not sure if that will change once construction is done. I think they’re planning on adding a parking lot as soon as possible? Plan your bags, etc. accordingly. I didn’t. I packed thinking I could run out to my car whenever, to get this or that piece of gear or a jacket. It all worked out in the end, but took some on-the-fly organizing.
I was lucky enough to get an extensive private “hard hat” tour. Thanks David Cartier!
This see through fireplace separates the spacious lobby from the bar.
Overlooking the creek is the 180 seat inside, 180 seat outside 34° North Restaurant & Bar (Restaurant Facebook Page) Executive Chef Stephen Jordon is working getting the restaurant up and running and on menu development.
Finishes are going to be beautiful! I got a quick peek at the flooring that had been covered with heavy protective paper during construction.
Just look at that Haint Blue porch ceiling pictured below! Historically common in the South, some say the color keeps restless spirits away. Some say it keeps insects away. And even some others say it tricks insects in to thinking it’s the sky and they stay up there, not bothering humans relaxing on the porch.
Whatever it means, I’ve always thought traditional light blue porch ceilings like this were romantic and beautiful.
The following shot was taken from the nearest concrete pad that will become a patio for the one bedroom suite. The other pads will also become patios for the three single rooms. These rooms overlook the creek, the restaurant area on the first floor, and the Rachel Carson Ballroom on the second.
“Divisible into four sections, the Rachel Carson Ballroom is the premier meeting space in Carteret County with 4,378 square feet of function space. It accommodates 400 people for a seated dinner or standup receptions for 500. This stylish ballroom can host business meetings with 228 attendees in a classroom-style setting and 480 theatre style.”
And that restaurant and those meeting spaces also happen to be practical for boaters! Just sail in, moor and head in for dinner, to meet friends at the bar, or attend that event.
Enjoy a little wine with your meal? A curated wine collection of 500 bottles will be available in the restaurant for your enjoyment.
Entrepreneurs Bucky and Wendi Oliver (follow link and scroll down) are the owners of the Beaufort Hotel NC, as well as other business enterprises in the area. Watch for more development in this part of Beaufort (and maybe beyond?) from this power couple.
Beaufort Hotel NC has been “tested” by Carolina Epicurean (me) during a three night stay as a guest of the hotel owners, and is wholeheartedly approved! In fact, I can’t wait to see the main building and restaurant when construction is completed and they’re up and running.
Beaufort Hotel NC, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member
https://www.beauforthotelnc.com/
2440 Lennoxville Rd
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-3000
